2006-11-25 14:57:33 · 12 answers · asked by AFizz 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Flying in a V formation way aids the birds in covering long distances very efficiently by transferring much of the shedding of drag-inducing vortices to the birds at each tip of the formation, rather than allowing shedding from each bird individually. Energy efficiency can be as much as doubled in this manner. The birds flying at the tips are rotated in a timely cyclical fashion so as to spread out flight fatigue equally among the flock members. The formation also facilitates communication and allows the birds to maintain visual contact with each other.
2006-11-25 15:00:54 · answer #1 · answered by mel1967@sbcglobal.net 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because the bird in the lead (at the forward point of the 'V' formation) is working the hardest by being the first to 'break through' the air, which is offering resistance to its flight. Just as a boat leaves a V-shaped wake of smoother water behind it, the lead bird leaves a V-shaped wake of slightly 'smoother' air behind it (actually the lead bird creates a trail of air turbulence that helps lift along the V-shaped direction), and it is a bit easier for the other birds to fly in the wake of the lead bird. If you watch a V-formation carefully, you'll notice that the lead bird does not stay in that position for very long and will drop back into the formation, while another, not-as-tired bird takes the lead, breaking through the air first.
2006-11-25 16:00:30 · answer #2 · answered by DemoDicky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They put the weaker birds nearer to the front to follow the strongest.This is so that they will be able to stay together. They also fly in this formation so as if one bird were to weaken to the point he can no longer fly, it would be easy for another bird to drop out of the formation and help the weak bird find a new V formation to fly with.
2006-11-25 15:01:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
the lead bird breaks the air and the other birds ride in the draft saving energy and they can fly farther and faster just like the nascars do
2006-11-26 09:44:26 · answer #4 · answered by hill bill y 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The strongest bird flies up front and it easier for the weaker birds to fly in the air stream of the birds in front of them
2006-11-25 15:01:34 · answer #5 · answered by jaws65 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's similar to why a small car gets better gas mileage on the highway when driving behind a truck. The drag is less, and less energy is needed. Different birds will take turns being in the front of the "V".
2006-11-25 15:02:29 · answer #6 · answered by Stacy 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The front one is continually changing it has to work the hardest cutting the air. The remainder have less wind resistance.
2006-11-25 15:53:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
To streamline the flow.
The air cut by the first one will be streamlined...Others in queue back will have less efforts to cut the air...If you have noticed, first member changes the position after certain interval, as he has to do more work than others.
2006-11-25 15:06:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
it is easier this way. slipstream from a bird ahead generates lift for the bird behind.
2006-11-25 14:59:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My guess it have to do with aerodynamics. But just to be safe check the below website.
2006-11-25 15:29:45 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋